Assembly Trustees Update - 11 June 2026

The first meeting of the Assembly Trustees following the General Assembly was held at the beginning of June. This meeting marked the introduction of seven new Assembly Trustees to their roles and responsibilities. The new members are: Suzanne Stringer, Nairn Angus-McDonald, Elizabeth Ashcroft, Martin Fair, Martin Fairbairn, Alan Hamilton and David Watt.

Decisions made

Church planting projects approved: The Assembly Trustees approved funding from Seeds for Growth for two church planting projects in Blindwells and Stockethill. Both projects underline the growth agenda of the Church and were commended as examples of innovation that could provide lessons for the wider church. Evaluation of existing projects under Seeds for Growth is ongoing to help direct the appropriate resources towards future projects.

Future of the Scottish Storytelling Centre and John Knox House - The Trustees agreed to the objective of retaining both properties until 2031 to avoid a significant grant clawback. The Trustees continue to seek a solution that mitigates financial risk, whilst being mindful of the need to generate income to support the mission of the Church. It is hoped that a revised proposal, including suggestions for generating income, will be available for the Trustees to consider at the August meeting.

Updates

Finances: These continue to be challenging due to additional costs, principally for work within Israel and repairs to John Knox House.

FAPLT review underway: The planned review of Faith Action Programme Leadership Team (FAPLT), which equips people to live out the mission of God, has commenced. As a relatively new agency within the Church, and one with a wide remit, its work will be assessed against the growth agenda. It was noted that the review will require significant focus to ensure completion within the year.

Work on Israel properties continues: The situation concerning the properties in Israel is moving at pace. It is expected that further information on this subject will be available at the Trustees meeting in August.

Discussion highlights

Growth: Following the approval of the growth agenda at the 2026 General Assembly, which placed growth as the foundation of the future vision and strategy of the Church of Scotland, Trustees had a good discussion on what growth looks like, affirming that the growth agenda underpins everything within the Church, and the need to understand the potential consequences of growth, both positive and negative.

Vision for Assembly Trustees communications: Effective communication was recognised as an essential component of the Trustees' role. Communications about its decisions and discussions will be improved by collaboration, partnership, and transparency across the wider church community. Efforts to open up communications with ministers and presbytery clerks have already begun.

Role of the Liaison Trustee clarified: The Liaison Trustee role is a bridge between the Assembly Trustees and the committees and agencies within the church. At its most effective, it is about supporting committees, providing constructive feedback, facilitating growth, ensuring accountability and oversight. Most importantly, it is also about actively listening to others to understand the impact of the ongoing work across the ministry. Liaison Trustees are expected to be supportive whilst maintaining a clear focus on growth.